As the tension settled, Lily began setting the table for dinner. Despite her cold demeanor, her movements were precise and graceful, revealing her meticulous nature. Soon, the table was laden with an impressive spread of food—roast meat, steaming bowls of soup, freshly baked bread, and an assortment of vegetables.
Everyone took their seats, and David found himself sitting next to Emma's master. Her curious eyes rarely left him, studying his every movement as if she could unravel his mysteries through observation alone.
Emma's master, who introduced herself as Morgan Le Fay, was a renowned witch known for her unparalleled knowledge of magic. However, David noticed an insatiable hunger in her gaze—a desire for understanding that bordered on obsession. She was unlike anyone he had met before. Even as she quietly ate her meal, her presence was overwhelming, exuding both elegance and an undeniable power.
Meanwhile, Lily sat at the head of the table, her back straight and her expression guarded. Though she didn't say much, her piercing eyes flicked between David and Morgan. There was a subtle tension in the air, as though she was keeping the entire room under control with sheer willpower.
David ate in silence, savoring the flavors of the meal. It was unlike anything he had tasted before—rich, hearty, and filled with care. He felt a lump rise in his throat, realizing this was his first home-cooked meal in years. For the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of belonging, albeit fragile.
Morgan finally broke the silence. "David," she said, her voice smooth and commanding. "The spell you cast earlier—it wasn't just holy magic. It was something... more. Tell me, where did you learn it?"
David looked up, meeting her gaze. "It came to me," he said honestly. "I don't know how to explain it. I simply imagined cutting strings, freeing myself from the curse, and the spell formed in my mind."
Morgan leaned forward, her eyes gleaming. "Magic that powerful doesn't just 'come to you.' You're holding secrets—secrets even you might not be aware of. And that second heart of yours... I've never seen anything like it."
Lily interrupted, her voice sharp. "Master, stop. We just accepted him into this family. He's not your experiment."
Morgan raised an eyebrow, leaning back in her chair. "Oh, I'm well aware. But my curiosity is my own, Lily. You'll have to forgive me if I seek answers."
Lily shot Morgan a warning glare, and the witch raised her hands in mock surrender. The dynamic between the two was striking—though Morgan was the elder and a powerful witch, she seemed to defer to Lily in matters of authority within the household.
After dinner, Emma guided David to his room. He followed her up the stairs, exhaustion finally catching up to him. However, just as he reached the top, he collapsed, his vision blurring.
"David!" Emma cried, catching him before he hit the ground.
Morgan rushed to his side, her hand glowing with a faint purple light as she checked his condition. "He's drained his mana to the point of collapse," she muttered. "Foolish boy. Using magic like that without understanding the toll it takes."
David could barely hear them. His body felt heavy, and his consciousness faded, leaving him to the mercy of his dreams.
David woke to find himself kneeling in the middle of a massive battlefield. The ground was littered with fallen soldiers, their weapons and armor shattered. His body was heavy, his chest pierced by a gleaming white rapier. In his hands, he held a bloodstained longsword that felt impossibly familiar.
His breath was ragged, his body trembling. A tear opened in the sky above him, and radiant beings descended—gods and goddesses whose presence overwhelmed the battlefield.
A goddess approached him, her features both beautiful and sorrowful. She knelt beside him, her hands cupping his face. "David," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Is this what you truly desire? To carry this burden alone?"
David looked into her tear-filled eyes, his own resolve unwavering. "Yes," he replied. "For this world... for you. I will stand without hesitation."
Tears streamed down her face as she embraced him. "Then promise me," she said. "No matter how much time passes, come back to me. I will wait for you, always."
David woke with a start, sunlight streaming through the window. He sat up, his chest aching as though the dream had been real. The memory of the goddess's words lingered, haunting and comforting at once.
The door opened, and Emma rushed in, her face lighting up with relief. "You're awake!" she cried, throwing her arms around him. "You've been out for four days! I was so worried."
Her warmth was overwhelming, and for the first time, David felt something new—a sense of belonging, of family.
Morgan entered the room shortly after, her expression serious. "You pushed yourself too far," she said. "Using that much mana with no training was reckless. I tried to transfer my mana to you, but your body rejected it. You're lucky to be alive."
David nodded, acknowledging her words. He felt an unfamiliar determination growing within him. These people had shown him kindness, had cared for him even when they barely knew him. For the first time, he felt a duty to protect something beyond himself.